The annual wildfire season that typically extends from mid-March to early May has been delayed this year by the protracted winter weather, but experts said Monday's brush fire in Green could signal that the start of that season will soon be upon us.

The annual wildfire season that typically extends from mid-March to early May has been delayed this year by the protracted winter weather, but experts said Monday's brush fire in Green could signal that the start of that season will soon be upon us.

Herald Staff ReportMonday was the final day for candidates to file for the June 2 primary election.Besides the state Assembly and county freeholder elections, where several Republicans are facing off in the primary, contests have developed for some municipal positions in Sussex County, including those in Andover Township, Montague, Hopatcong, Franklin, Sandyston and Sussex Borough.Independent candidates have until 4 p.m. on primary day to file petitions for a place on the November General Ele...

Herald Staff ReportMonday was the final day for candidates to file for the June 2 primary election.Besides the state Assembly and county freeholder elections, where several Republicans are facing off in the primary, contests have developed for some municipal positions in Sussex County, including those in Andover Township, Montague, Hopatcong, Franklin, Sandyston and Sussex Borough.Independent candidates have until 4 p.m. on primary day to file petitions for a place on the November General Ele...

The heroes announced today bring to 9,757 the total number of awards made since the Pittsburgh-based Fund's inception in 1904. Commission Chair Mark Laskow stated that each of the awardees or their survivors will also receive a financial grant.

The heroes announced today bring to 9,757 the total number of awards made since the Pittsburgh-based Fund's inception in 1904. Commission Chair Mark Laskow stated that each of the awardees or their survivors will also receive a financial grant.

VERNON -- Gov. Chris Christie will hold a town hall meeting at Vernon Township High School on June 28, officials said Tuesday.

Barring a last-minute change or scheduling glitch, it will be only the second of more than 100 Christie town halls to be held in Sussex County.

Christie's office typically gives only a few days' public notice of his town halls and his spokesman, citing the early timeframe, did not confirm his impending visit.

Vernon Schools Superintendent John Alfieri, though, said plans are well under way and that Matt DeLeRosa, the K-12 district's director of facilities, is meeting today with Christie's advance team.

Alfieri said the town hall will be held in the high school auditorium, likely beginning at 10:30 a.m., though the starting time is not yet fixed.

Alfieri said he did not know what prompted the venue choice.

Coincidentally, Alfieri is leaving the Vernon school district in about a month for his new job as superintendent in Livingston. Christie is a graduate of Livingston High School.

Sussex County Freeholder Director Richard Vohden said Vernon, the most populated of the county's 24 municipalities, is a logical setting.

Of Christie visiting Sussex County, Vohden said, "Probably a lot of people are taking credit for it. I'm not."

Vohden, who attended Christie's town halls in Hackettstown and Hopatcong, said he plans to attend on June 28.

"They're very entertaining," he said.

Vernon Mayor Victor Marotta, a Republican, did not immediately return a phone call.

Christie's town halls, occasionally featuring combative and amusing exchanges with audience members, contributed to his rise as a national figure.

One such moment occurred at his lone Sussex County town hall to date, in March 2011 at St. Jude Parish Center in Hopatcong, when a Sparta resident playfully described him as "hot and sexy," briefly stunning the governor.

Because Christie's town halls are open to all and questions are not pre-screened, audience members often take the opportunity to try to get the governor to comment on local issues. That could add an interesting dimension to his visit to Vernon, where the last Township Council meeting grew so contentious that the council president called a recess.

Former Mayor Sally Rinker, locked in a long-running battle with Marotta on numerous issues, said she plans to attend.

"Maybe we'll get a chance to ask a question, or make a point or two," she said.

Christie, running for a second term in November, has a huge lead in the polls over state Sen. Barbara Buono, the Democratic candidate.

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